QSFP28 stands for Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable 28. It is a compact, hot-pluggable transceiver module commonly used for high-speed network connections in data centers and telecommunications systems. The “28” in QSFP28 refers to its 28 gigabits per second (Gbps) data rate per channel.

Knowing About QSFP28

The QSFP28 module supports various network protocols, including Ethernet, Fibre Channel, InfiniBand, and others. It utilizes four lanes of high-speed electrical data transmission, typically using a single-mode or multi-mode fiber optic cable for long-range or short-range connections, respectively.

The QSFP28 form factor has a higher density compared to its predecessors, allowing for more ports and bandwidth in network switches and routers. It offers a maximum data rate of 100 Gbps per port, making it suitable for demanding applications such as high-performance computing, cloud computing, and streaming video.

QSFP28 modules are designed to be hot-swappable, meaning they can be inserted or removed from a device without shutting down the system. They also support Digital Diagnostic Monitoring (DDM) functionality, allowing for real-time monitoring of parameters such as temperature, voltage, and optical signal strength.

Key Aspects About QSFP28

The QSFP28 (Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable 28) is a high-speed transceiver module used in data centers and networking equipment. Here are some key aspects of QSFP28:

Data Rate: QSFP28 supports a maximum data rate of 100 gigabits per second (Gbps) per port. It achieves this high speed by using four lanes of transmission, with each lane operating at 25 Gbps.

  1. Form Factor: 

QSFP28 has a small form factor, which allows for high port density on networking equipment. It is smaller than its predecessors, such as QSFP+ and CXP, enabling greater scalability and more efficient use of rack space.

  1. Applications: 

QSFP28 is widely used in various network applications, including Ethernet, Fibre Channel, InfiniBand, and other high-speed networking protocols. It is commonly found in switches, routers, network interface cards (NICs), and other networking devices.

  1. Fiber Types:

QSFP28 supports both single-mode and multi-mode fiber optic cables. Single-mode fiber is used for longer-range connections, typically up to 10 kilometers, while multi-mode fiber is suitable for shorter-range connections, usually up to 100 meters.

  1. Transmission Distance: 

The maximum transmission distance of QSFP28 depends on the fiber type and the specific optical modules used. With single-mode fiber, QSFP28 can reach distances of up to 10 kilometers, while with multi-mode fiber, it can support distances of up to 100 meters.

  1. Hot-Swappable and DDM: 

QSFP28 modules are hot-swappable, meaning they can be inserted or removed from a device while it is operational, without causing disruption to the network. QSFP28 modules also support Digital Diagnostic Monitoring (DDM), allowing for real-time monitoring of key parameters such as temperature, voltage, and optical power levels.

  1. Upgradability: 

QSFP28 offers backward compatibility with its predecessor form factors, such as QSFP+ and QSFP, allowing for seamless upgrades in existing networking infrastructure.

Conclusion

Therefore, it could be said that it is essential to be familiar with all factors and premises in order to be affiliated with QSFP28. Whether we talk about its data rate, transmission distance, or even upgradability, all the aspects are effective to be aware of, in order to utilize the component effectively.